Mutoa and quad floating connector

ABSTRACT

A floating quad connector assembly is designed to hold two pairs of simplex connecters in a quad formation and to permit the two pairs of connectors to float within the assembly, thereby rendering the quad connector assembly compatible with different quad adapters having different spacings between the two middle simplex ports. Also, a segmental switch module is configured to aggregate multiple category-rated connectors in an array formation while permitting the spacings between the connectors to float, thereby rendering the switch module compatible with port arrays of different port-to-port spacings.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject patent application is a divisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/187,159, filed Feb. 26, 2021, and entitled “MUTOA AND QUAD FLOATING CONNECTOR,” the entirety of which application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates generally to data cabling, and, in particular, to fiber optic and copper cable connectors.

BACKGROUND

Many fiber optic systems employ Lucent Connector (LC) fiber optic connectors for termination and connectivity of fiber optic cables. The small form factor of these LC connectors allows a large number of fiber optic cables to be connected in high density arrays, such as those found in fiber optic patch panels used in data centers. Simplex LC connectors house a single optical fiber terminated on a ferrule that protrudes from the front of the connector housing, thereby providing termination and connectivity for a single data line. Duplexed LC connectors together house two optical fibers that are terminated on respective ferrules that protrude from the front of the duplexed connectors, providing termination and connectivity for a transmit fiber and a receive fiber. The small form factor of the LC connector—whether used as a simplex or as a duplexed pair—affords a number of advantages, particularly in high density environment.

Some fiber optic devices include four-port adapters, also referred to as quad adapters, which each comprise four simplex ports arranged horizontally. The ports of these quad adaptors can interface with four corresponding simplex connectors or with two duplex connectors. Currently, there is no standard defining the distance between the two duplex adapters of a quad adapter. Consequently, while there may be benefits to using a four-port connector to engage with these quad adaptors, this lack of spacing standardization creates challenges in designing such a connector, since the distances between the two middle ports can vary between devices.

The above-described deficiencies of current optical connection systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of current technology, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art, and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein, may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the various embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of the various embodiments. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the various embodiments nor to delineate the scope of the various embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a streamlined form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Various embodiments described herein provide a quad connector assembly that can be used to aggregated multiple simplex fiber optic connectors to yield a composite quad connector that can be plugged into a range of quad adapters having different spacings. To accommodate variable spacings between the two middle ports of a quad adapter, the connector assembly can group the four simplex connectors into two duplex groups and permit each group to slide independently within the connector housing, allowing the distance between the two duplex groups to be varied within a range permitted by the connector while maintaining a consistent standardized spacing between the connectors of each duplex group.

Also, a modular connector organization system is provided that allows customized connector arrays to be easily assembled using modular components. Embodiments of this connector organization system can be used to create an organized connector array compatible with a corresponding array of data ports.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the disclosed subject matter, then, comprises one or more of the features hereinafter more fully described. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the subject matter. However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the subject matter can be employed. Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. It will also be appreciated that the detailed description may include additional or alternative embodiments beyond those described in this summary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example four-port, or quad, fiber optic adapter.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example quad connector assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bottom clip with two springs attached.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom clip with spacers installed.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a partially assembled quad connector in which a simplex connector has been installed in the second chamber between a spacer and a dividing wall.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled quad connector assembly in which four simplex connectors have been installed in the respective chambers of the bottom clip.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a partially assembled quad connector assembly with four simplex connectors installed in respective chambers of the assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a partially assembled quad connector assembly illustrating freedom of movement of the simplex connectors within the bottom clip of the assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a quad connector assembly with its top clip in place.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a top clip engaged with a bottom clip.

FIG. 11 is a top view of two simplex connectors with chamfered front corners.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a middle plate that can be used as part of a segmental switch module for aggregating multiple category-rated connectors.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the middle plate.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the middle plate.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the middle plate.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the middle plate in which connectors have been mounted on its respective flexible planks.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the middle plate in which connectors have been installed.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising an array of connectors mounted to the middle plate and two attachment plates installed on the connectors.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 18 in which two cross plates have been installed on mounting arms of the attachment plates.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an assembled segmental switch module in which two cover plates have been installed over the cross plates and mounting arms of the attachment plates.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembled segmental switch module.

FIG. 22 are front and side views of four example types of modular connector housings that can be connected together in a modular fashion to yield a customized connector management assembly.

FIG. 23 is a front view of two modular housings that have been joined together.

FIG. 24 is an example 6×2 connector management assembly assembled using modular housings.

FIG. 25 is a front view of an example 8×2 connector management assembly comprising a mounting bracket on which are mounted 16 modular housings.

FIG. 26 is a front view of an example bracket having two vertical sides connected to a horizontal side at right angles.

FIG. 27 is a front view of an example connector organizer that allows spacings between connectors to float, thereby allowing the organizer to be used with data port arrays having different port-to-port spacings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure is now described with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It may be evident, however, that the subject disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the subject disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example four-port, or quad, fiber optic adapter 100. Quad adapter 100 can be part of a device that communicates data over a fiber optic connection via the adapter 100, such as a patch panel device. The adapter 100 comprises four simplex ports 102 a-102 d arranged horizontally, with each of the ports 102 a-102 d configured to receive a corresponding simplex fiber optic connector. Alternatively, two duplex fiber optic connectors can be plugged into the quad adapter 100, such that a first duplex connector plugs into the first pair of simplex ports 102 a and 102 b, and a second duplex connector plugs into the second pair of simplex ports 102 c and 102 d. The distance A between the simplex ports 102 a and 102 b of the first pair and between the simplex ports 102 c and 102 d of the second pair corresponds to the distance between the ferrules of the duplex connectors. Distance B is the distance between the two middle simplex ports 102 b and 102 c.

In some devices, the distances between adjacent ports 102 may be equal for each pair of adjacent ports 102, such that distance A is equal to distance B. However, since there is currently no standard that dictates the distance B between the two middle ports 102 b and 102 c, distance B may vary across different devices.

As an alternative to using four simplex connectors or two duplex connectors, a four-port connector—or quad connector—could be used to interface with a quad adapter 100. A single quad connector can be more easily and quickly engaged with, and disengaged from, the quad adapter 100 relative to using four independent simplex connectors or two separate duplex connectors, and can better maintain organization of the individual fibers by preventing twisting of fibers.

However, since the distance B between the two middle simplex ports 102 b and 102 c can vary between devices, a quad connector design with fixed spacing between ferrules would not be compatible across multiple quad adapters 100 having different distances B between the middle ports 102 b and 102 c. Consequently, manufacturers of quad connectors that use fixed spacings would have to custom manufacture different versions of their connector with respective different B distances to accommodate different port spacings favored by different device vendors.

To address these and other issues, one or more embodiments described herein provide a quad connector assembly, referred to herein as a floating quad connector, that is compatible with different quad adapters 100 having different spacings between the two middle simplex ports 102 b and 102 c. In one or more embodiments, the quad connector assembly is designed to hold four simplex connectors in a quad connector arrangement, such that the distance A between the ferrules of the first and second connectors and between the third and fourth connectors remained fixed in accordance with a standardized duplex connector spacing, and the distance B between the second and third connectors (the middle spacing) is permitted to float so that the resulting quad connector can be adapted to interface with any quad adapter 100 regardless of the middle port spacing represented by distance B.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example quad connector assembly 200 according to one or more embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the quad connector assembly 200 is designed to hold four LC simplex connectors 206 a-206 d in a horizontal arrangement. Although the example embodiments described and illustrated herein depict the quad connector assembly 200 being used to hold LC connectors, other embodiments of connector assembly 200 can be configured to hold other types of fiber optic or copper cable connectors in a quad connector arrangement without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments.

Optical fiber cables 220 a-220 d are connected to the respective simplex connectors 206 a-206 b, with the optical fiber of each cable 220 a-220 d terminating on the ferrules (not shown in FIG. 2 ) inside each connector 206 a-206 d. The simplex connectors 206 a-206 d are held in a quad arrangement by an assembly comprising a top clip 202, a bottom clip 208, two springs 204 a and 204 b, and spacers 218 a and 218 b. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom clip 208 with the two springs 204 a and 204 b attached. Bottom clip 208 comprises a substantially rectangular base plate 216 with two vertical end walls 210 a and 210 b that extend from the base plate 216 at or near the respective ends of the base plate 216. A vertical dividing wall 212 also extends from the base plate 216 at or near the middle of the base plate 216. In some embodiments, the dividing wall 212 can be located along the length of the base plate 216 at a location substantially half-way between the two end walls 210 a and 210 b. Alternatively, in some embodiments the dividing wall 212 can be disposed at a location that is offset from the half-way position between the two end walls 210 a and 210 b to allow the bottom clip 208 to accommodate a middle wall of a corresponding top clip, as will be discussed in more detail below. The chamber defined by the first end wall 210 a, the base plate 216, and the dividing wall 212 will hold two of the simplex connectors 206 a and 206 b, while the chamber defined by the second end wall 210 b, the base plate 216, and the dividing wall will hold the other two of the simplex connectors 206 c and 206 d.

Each of the springs 204 a and 204 b comprises a flexible rectangular metal sheet that is bent at a substantially right angle to form a horizontal section 304 a, 304 b and a vertical section 306 a, 306 b. The bend of each spring 204 a, 204 b is located nearer to one end of the spring 204 a, 204 b than the other end, such that the horizontal section 304 is longer than the vertical section 306. Spring 204 b resides within the chamber defined by the second end wall 210 b, the base plate 216, and the dividing wall 212, such that the horizontal section 304 b of the spring 204 b rests on the base plate 216 and the vertical section 306 b of the spring 204 b rests against the end wall 210 b. Similarly, spring 204 a resides within the chamber defined by the first end wall 210 a, the base plate 216, and the dividing wall 212, such that the horizontal section 304 a of the spring 204 a rests on the base plate 216 and the vertical section 306 a (not visible in FIG. 3 ) of the spring 204 a rests against the end wall 210 a.

A slot 308 is formed in each of the vertical sections 306 a, 306 b of the springs 204 a, 204 b. These slots 308 a, 308 b are sized to accommodate respective elongated rails 214 a, 214 b formed on the base plate 216. The rails 214 a, 214 b extend from respective end walls 210 a, 210 b along the base plate 216 in the lengthwise direction, ending at a location part way between the respective end walls 210 a, 210 b and the dividing wall 210. Two short raised sections 310 a and 310 b are also formed on the base plate 216, extending from the respective two sides of the dividing wall 212. The positions and lengths of these short raised sections 310 a, 310 b are such that a gap is formed between each rail 214 a, 214 b and its corresponding short raised section 310 a, 310 b.

The springs 204 a, 204 b are disposed on the bottom clip 208 such that the rails 214 a, 214 b are accommodated in the respective slots 308 a, 308 b of the springs 204 a, 204 b and the portion 312 a, 312 b of each horizontal section 304 a, 304 b that extends beyond the slot 308 a, 308 b resides in the gap formed between the rail 214 a, 214 b and its corresponding short raised section 310 a, 310 b. This arrangement prevents lateral sliding movement of the springs 204 a and 204 b and properly orients the springs 204 a, 204 b within their respective chambers of the bottom clip 208.

A spring mechanism 302 a, 302 b is formed on the vertical section 306 a, 306 b of each spring 204 a, 204 b. In the example depicted in FIG. 3 , the spring mechanism 302 a, 302 b comprises a square portion of the vertical section 306 a, 306 b that is cut away from the main body of the vertical section 306 a, 306 b on its left, right, and bottom edges while remaining connected to the vertical section 306 a, 306 b on its top edge. Each spring mechanism 302 a, 302 b is bent away from its corresponding end wall 210 a, 210 b about the top edge, which acts as a hinge for the spring mechanism 302 a, 302 b. In response to application of a force, the flexible spring mechanism 302 a, 302 b bends about its top edge toward its corresponding end wall 210 a, 210 b and applies an opposing force toward the middle of the bottom clip 208 (in the direction of the dividing wall 212).

The design of springs 204 a. 204 b illustrated in FIG. 3 is only intended to be exemplary, and it is to be appreciated that any suitable spring mechanism capable of applying a counteracting force directed toward the dividing wall 212 in response to application of a force on the spring mechanism directed toward the end walls 210 a, 210 b is within the scope of one or more embodiments of this disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, springs 204 a and 204 b can be replaced with foam padding affixed to the interior surfaces of the end walls 210 a and 210 b. In still other embodiments, springs 204 a and 204 b can be replaced with flexible wire spring clips be affixed to the end walls 210 a and 210 b.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom clip 208 with spacers 218 a, 218 b installed. In the illustrated embodiment, spacers 218 a, 218 b comprise elongated blocks having grooves formed on two opposing long sides in the widthwise direction (across the widths of the spacers 218 a, 218 b). The spacers 218 a and 218 b are installed in the respective two chambers of the bottom clip 208. When a spacer 218 is installed in this manner, one groove 402 on the bottom side of the spacer 218 accommodates the rail 214 of the base plate 216 located in the corresponding chamber of the bottom clip 208. This arrangement allows each spacer 218 a and 218 b to slide within the bottom clip 208 along its respective rail 214 a, 214 b (in the directions indicated by the arrow in FIG. 4 ) while preventing the spacers 218 a and 218 b from sliding in the direction orthogonal to the rails 214 a, 214 b.

End walls 210 a, 210 b, dividing wall 212, and spacers 218 a, 218 b define four separate chambers in which the four simplex connectors 206 a-206 d can respectively reside. Specifically, a first chamber is defined between end wall 210 a and spacer 402 a, a second chamber is defined between spacer 402 a and dividing wall 212, a third chamber is defined between dividing wall 212 and spacer 402 b, and a fourth chamber is defined between spacer 402 b and end wall 210 b.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the partially assembled quad connector in which simplex connector 206 b has been installed in the second chamber between the spacer 402 a and dividing wall 212. As illustrated in this figure, the body of the simplex connector 206 b comprises a narrow section 502 located behind the front plug section 506 of the connector 206 b. The narrow section 502 has cross-sectional dimensions that are smaller than those of the front plug section 506, resulting in a rear-facing lip 504 at the point of transition between the front plug section 506 and the narrow section 502. This rear-facing lip 504 abuts against the front-facing side of the spacer 218 a, as well as the front edge of the bottom clip 208, thereby preventing the simplex connector 206 b from sliding backward across the bottom clip 208.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the partially assembled quad connector assembly 200 in which all four simplex connectors 206 a-206 d have been installed in the respective chambers of the bottom clip 208. FIG. 7 is a top view of the partially assembled quad connector assembly 200 with the four simplex connectors 206 a-206 b installed in the respective chambers. The quad connector assembly 200 holds the connectors 206 a-206 d in a linear formation with the front ends of the connectors 206 a-206 d substantially flush with one another. As can be seen these views, the first pair of simplex connectors 206 a and 206 b are separated from one another by spacer 218 a, while the second pair of simplex connectors 206 c and 206 d are separated from one another by spacer 218 b. The widths of spacers 218 a and 218 b can be such that, when the connectors 206 a-206 d are abutted against the spacers 218 a and 218 b as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the distances A between connectors 206 a and 206 b and between connectors 206 c and 206 d are substantially equal to a standardized ferrule distance for duplex connectors (e.g., approximately 6.25 millimeters in some embodiments).

FIG. 8 is a top view of the partially assembled quad connector assembly 200 illustrating freedom of movement of the simplex connectors 206 a-206 d within the bottom clip 208. The distance between end wall 210 a and dividing wall 212 of the bottom clip 208 is greater than the sum of the widths of connector 206 a, connector 206 b, and spacer 218 a. Similarly, the distance between end wall 210 b and dividing wall 212 is greater than the sum of the widths of connector 206 c, connector 206 d, and spacer 218 b. These spacings allow connector 206 c, connector 206 d, and spacer 218 b to slide together as a group (labeled Group 1 in FIG. 8 ) between end wall 210 b and dividing wall 212 as the spacer 218 b slides along rail 214 b, as discussed above in connection with FIG. 4 . That is, the connector group can slide within the bottom clip 208 in a direction orthogonal to the lengths of the connectors 206. Similarly, connector 206 a, connector 206 b, and spacer 218 a can slide freely as a group (Group 2 in FIG. 8 ) between end wall 210 a and dividing wall 212 as spacer 218 b slides along rail 214 a. Each of the two connector groups can slide independently of one another. This configuration allows the distance B between the middle connectors 206 b and 206 c to be changed by sliding one or both of the Group 1 connector pair or Group 2 connector pair within the bottom clip 208. Since the spacers 218 a, 218 b maintain a fixed distance A between connectors 206 a and 206 b, and between connectors 206 c and 206 d, the two connector pairs designated as Group 1 and Group 2 can be considered two standard duplex connectors having a fixed ferrule distance A, which can slide independently of one another within the bottom clip 208 to vary the distance B between the two duplex connectors.

The minimum value of distance B between the two connector groups is determined by the thickness of dividing wall 212 (or, in some embodiments, by the sum of the thicknesses of dividing wall 212 and the middle wall of the top clip, as will be described below). This minimum value of distance B is achieved by positioning both connector groups to abut against the dividing wall 212. In some embodiments, the spring mechanisms 302 a and 302 b (see FIG. 3 ) can apply a force to the two end connectors 206 a and 206 d that, in the absence of a counteracting force, pushes the two connector groups against the dividing wall 212 (with connectors 206 b and 206 c abutted against the dividing wall 212) as a default positioning. In some embodiments, the bottom clip 208 can be configured such that this minimum value of distance B is equal to the fixed distances A of the two connector groups (that is A=B). This orientation is suitable for quad adapters 100 in which the spacing between adjacent ports is equal for all pairs of adjacent ports.

If the quad connector assembly 200 is to be plugged into a quad adapter 100 in which the distance B between the two middle ports 102 b and 102 c (see FIG. 1 ) is greater than the distances A, one or both of connector Group 1 or connector Group 2 can be repositioned by sliding the group away from the dividing wall 212. To this end, a force can be applied to either of the two connector groups that counteracts the force applied to the group by its corresponding spring mechanism 302, allowing the distance B to be increased until the connectors 206 a-206 d of the connector assembly 200 are aligned with the ports 102 a-206 d, allowing the connector assembly 200 to be plugged into the adapter 100.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the quad connector assembly 200 with the top clip 202 in place. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the top clip 202 engaged with the bottom clip 208 with the simplex connectors 206 a-206 d omitted for clarity. Top clip 202 comprises a rectangular top wall 226 and two outer end walls 224 a and 224 b that extend from the opposing short edges of the top wall 226 at right angles to the top wall 226. A top bar 222 is also attached to the outer surface of the top wall 226 of the top clip 202. The top bar 222 is attached to the top wall 226 by two flexible arms 230 a and 230 b that extend from the top wall 226 at an angle relative to the surface of the top wall 226. In some embodiments, top clip 202 also includes a middle wall 228 that extends from an inner surface of the top wall 226 at a right angle relative to the inner surface.

Top clip 202 is configured to engage with the bottom clip 208, yielding a housing assembly or enclosure that houses the springs 204 a, 204 b, the spacers 218 a, 218 b, and the narrow sections 502 of the simplex connectors 206 a-206 d. While engaged, the outer end walls 224 a and 224 b overlap with the end walls 210 a and 210 b, respectively, of the bottom clip 208, as shown in FIG. 10 .

In embodiments in which the top clip 202 includes a middle wall 228, this middle wall 228 can abut against the dividing wall 212 of the bottom clip 208 while the top clip 202 and the bottom clip 208 are engaged. To accommodate the middle wall 228, the bottom clip 208 can be designed such that its dividing wall 212 is offset from a centerline 1002 that bisects the front profile of the assembled clips 202 and 208, such that the dividing wall 212 is closer to end wall 210 a than to end wall 210 b. Similarly, the middle wall 228 of the top clip 202 can be offset from the centerline 1002 in the opposite direction, such that the middle wall 228 is closer to outer end wall 224 b than to outer end wall 224 a. This arrangement places the point of contact between the middle wall 228 and the dividing wall 212 at or approximately at the centerline 1002. Thus, the middle wall 228 of the top clip 202 and the dividing wall 212 of the bottom clip form an aggregate dividing wall between the Group 1 connectors 202 c, 202 d and the Group 2 connectors 202 a, 202 b. In this embodiment, the minimum value of distance B is determined by the combined widths of dividing wall 212 and middle wall 228. This minimum value of distance B is achieved when the Group 1 duplex connector (comprising connectors 206 c and 206 d) is abutted against middle wall 228, and the Group 2 duplex connector (comprising connectors 206 a and 206 b) is abutted against the dividing wall 212. When no external force is applied, the spring mechanisms 302 a and 302 b can apply a force that holds the two groups of connectors in this default position. As noted above, the distance B can be increased from this minimum distance by sliding one or both of the two groups of connectors away from this aggregate dividing wall.

The housings of simplex connectors 206 a-206 d include elastic latches 602 a-602 d formed on their top surfaces that serve to latch the connectors within ports 102 a-102 d while plugged into the adapter 100. When the quad connector assembly 200 is mated with an adapter 100, the upward spring force of the cantilevered latches 602 a-602 d cause the latches 602 a-602 d to remain engaged with corresponding latching features in the ports 102 a-102 d. Applying a downward pressure on the latches 602 a-602 d causes the latches 602 a-602 d to disengage from the latching features of the ports 102 a-102 d, thereby allowing the connectors 206 a-206 d to be removed.

When the top clip 202 is engaged with the bottom clip 208, the top bar 222 is positioned over, and makes contact with, latches 602 a-602 d, as shown in FIG. 9 . This arrangement allows all four connectors 206 a-206 d to be unlatched quickly and easily from their respective ports 102 a-102 d by pressing down on the top bar 222, which bends the four latches 602 a-602 d downward into their unlatch positions. The entire quad connector assembly 200 can then be removed from the adapter 100 as a collective unit.

In some embodiments, the simplex connectors 206 a-206 d used in the quad connector assembly 200 can comprise chamfered front corners to ease entry into the corresponding ports 102 a-102 d of adapter 100. FIG. 11 is a top view of two simplex connectors 206 a and 206 b with chamfered front corners 1102. As shown in this figure, chamfered front corners 1102 can serve as an alternative to squared front corners, and can assist in guiding the connectors 206 a-206 d into their corresponding ports 102 a-102 d. This feature can be particularly useful when the connectors 206 a-206 d are assembled into the quad connector arrangement using assembly 200.

While the quad connector assembly 200 has been described and illustrated with reference to a specific embodiment, aspects of the illustrated design can be modified without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments. For example, rather than using four simplex connectors 206 a-206 d and two spacers 218 a and 218 b to maintain the fixed distance A for Group 1 and Group 2, the bottom clip 208 and top clip 202 can be configured to accommodate and hold two unibody duplex connectors in a quad arrangement, while allowing the two duplex connectors to slide within the assembly to thereby adjust distance B between the two duplex connectors as needed, depending on the spacing used by the mating adapter.

The quad connector assembly 200 described above can be used to aggregate multiple simplex fiber optic connectors to yield a composite connector that can be plugged into a multi-port fiber adapter. Other types of connector assemblies can also be used to aggregate category-rated jacks, such as RJ-45 connectors, in a similar manner. Such connector assemblies can be useful for interfacing with electronic data switches having arrays of data ports (e.g., a 2×6 array), allowing multiple connectors to be substantially simultaneously plugged into the data port array as a group.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a middle plate 1200 that can be used as part of a segmental switch module for aggregating multiple category-rated connectors (e.g., CAT-5 connectors). FIG. 13 is a front view of the middle plate 1200. FIG. 14 is a side view of the middle plate 1200. FIG. 15 is a top view of the middle plate 1200. Middle plate 1200 comprises a handle section 1204 comprising a flat plate with an opening 1210 that is large enough to accept a user's fingers so that a pull force can be applied. As can be seen in FIG. 14 , two mounting plates 1208 a and 1208 b extend in parallel from a front edge of the handle section 1204. The thickness of each mounting plate 1208 a and 1208 b is smaller than the thickness of the handle section 1204, resulting in a gap 1212 between the two mounting plates 1208 a and 1208 b that extends from the front of the middle plate 1200 to the handle section 1204.

Dividing walls 1202 are formed on the outward-facing surfaces of the two mounting plates 1208 a and 1208 b. These dividing walls 1202 reside within slots 1214 formed on the mounting plates 1208 a and 1208 b, which extend from the front edge of the mounting plates to the handle section 1204. Each dividing wall 1202 is anchored to the handle section 1204 at the end of its corresponding slot 1214. The height of each dividing wall 1202 extends perpendicular to the outward-facing surfaces of its mounting plate 1208 a, 1208 b, and the length of each dividing wall 1202 extends from its anchor point at the handle section 1204 to the front edge of the mounting plate 1208 a. The width of each dividing wall 1202 is smaller than the width of its corresponding slot 1214, allowing the dividing wall 1202 to flex sideways within the slot 1214 (that is, orthogonal to the surface of the mounting plates 1208 a, 1208 b).

Slots 1214 divide each mounting plate 1208 a, 1208 b into flexible planks 1206 on which connectors can be mounted. FIG. 16 is a top view of the middle plate 1200 in which connectors 1602 have been mounted on the respective flexible planks 1206. FIG. 17 is a side view of the middle plate 1200 in which the connectors have been installed. As can be seen in these views, connectors 1602 (e.g., RJ-45 jacks or other types of connectors) are installed on each of the flexible planks 1206 between the dividing walls 1202, with each connector 1602 terminating a category cable 1604. In the illustrated example, the middle plate 1200 holds the connectors 1602 in a 2×6 array formation comprising two horizontal parallel rows of six connectors 1602, with the top row of six connectors 1602 (on mounting plate 1208 a) oriented latch-up and the bottom row of six connectors 1602 (on mounting plate 1280 b) oriented latch-down. This orientation conforms to that of a data port array found on many electronic data switches.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an assembly comprising an array of connectors 1602 mounted to the middle plate 1200 and two attachment plates 1802 a and 1802 b installed on the connectors 1602. Each attachment plate 1802 a and 1802 b is installed on one of the two rows of six connectors 1602. In this example embodiment, each attachment plate 1802 a, 1802 b comprises a handle 1806 and a number of attachment arms 1804 equal to the number of connectors 1602 in the row (six in the present example). Each attachment arm 1804 has an engagement feature 1808 configured to engage with a structural feature of its corresponding connector 1602. The engagement feature 1808 can be a hole that receives the latch 1608 of the connector 1602, as depicted in FIG. 18 , or another such engagement feature.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the assembly depicted in FIG. 18 in which two cross plates 1902 a and 1902 b have been installed on the attachment arms 1804 of the attachment plates 1802 a and 1802 b. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fully assembled segmental switch module 2000 in which two cover plates 2002 a and 2002 b have been installed over the cross plates 1902 a, 1902 b and attachment arms 1804 of the attachment plates 1802 a, 1802 b. FIG. 21 is a side view of the segmental switch module 2000. The resulting segmental switch module 2000 can be used to hold 12 connectors 1602 in a group such that the connectors 1602 can be plugged into a 2×6 data port array substantially simultaneously. Once the module 2000 is plugged into an array of data points, the cover plates 2002, 2002 b can prevent access to the latches of the individual connectors, thereby preventing accidental disconnection. In some embodiments, the latches 1608 of the connectors 1602 can be accessed by removing the cover plates 2002 a, 2002 b and pressing on the cross plates 1902 a, 1902 b to bend the latches 1608 to their disconnect positions, allowing the module 2000 to be unplugged by pulling on the handle section 1204 of the middle plate 1200. Alternatively, in some embodiments the cover plates 2002 a, 2002 b can include respective openings that permit a key to be inserted through each cross plate 1902 a, 1902 b. When inserted, the keys displace the cross plates 1902 a, 1902 b and move the latches 1608 to their unlatch positions, allowing the module 2000 to be unplugged from the data port array.

The gap 1212 between the two mounting plates 1208 a and 1208 b permits the planks 1206 of the two mounting plates 1208 a, 1208 b to flex vertically. Also, as noted above, each dividing wall 1202 is permitted to flex horizontally within its corresponding slot 1214 of the two mounting plates 1208. These degrees of freedom permit the same switch module 2000 to accommodate different data port arrays having different port-to-port spacings by allowing the horizontal and vertical spacings between the connectors 1602 to float as needed.

Although FIGS. 12-21 depict a switch module 2000 designed to hold 12 connectors 1602 in a 2×6 arrangement, the design can be modified to accommodate different numbers of connectors 1602.

As another approach to accommodating devices having different numbers of ports and different port-to-port spacings, a modular connector system can be provided to allow data connector assemblies to be built in a customized manner to interface with a given device (e.g., a switch or a patch panel device). Such a modular system can offer a number of individual components that can be assembled into customized structure for clustering cables and their associated data connectors to yield a connector assembly that is compatible with the mating device.

Multi-user telecommunications outlet assemblies (MUTOAs) are connectivity devices comprising multiple data outlets designed to provide voice and data connectivity for multiple workstations. While the ANSI/TIA-568 Standard dictates that no more than 12 user workstations should be serviced from a single MUTOA, the number of available data ports can vary across different MUTOAs, and can conform to a variety orientations (e.g., 2×2, 12×4, 12×6, 3×4, etc.). Given this range of sizing possibilities, there is no single connector housing device that is compatible for all MUTOA applications.

To address these and other issues, a modular MUTOA system can be provided that allows a suitable connector management structure to be assembled from modular components to suit the requirements of a given MUTOA application. FIG. 22 are front and side views of four example types of modular connector housings 2202 a-2202 d that can be connected together in a modular fashion to yield a customized connector management assembly. Each of the example modular housings 2202 depicted in FIG. 22 comprise a main body 2210 that defines an opening 2212 sized to permit a connector to be inserted. Different embodiments of the modular housings 2202 can be configured to accommodate different types of connectors, including but not limited to category-rated jacks such as RJ-45 connectors, simplex or duplex LC fiber connectors, or another type of connector.

Each modular housing 2202 also includes at least one of a dovetail socket 2216 or a dovetail pin 2214. For example, modular housing 2202 a has a single dovetail pin 2214 formed along one side of its main body 2210, while modular housing 2202 b has a dovetail socket 2216 formed along one side of its main body 2210. Modular housing 2202 c has a dovetail socket 2216 formed along a first side of its main body 2210 and a dovetail pin 2214 formed along a second side of its main body 2212 opposite the first side. Modular housing 2202 d has two dovetail sockets 2216 a, 2216 b formed along two adjacent sides of its main body 2210, and two dovetail pins 2214 a, 2214 b formed along the remaining two adjacent sides of the main body 2210.

Although the connection features formed on the modular housings 2202 are illustrated and described herein as being dovetail sockets 2216 and dovetail pins 2214, any suitable type of connection feature is within the scope of one or more embodiments. For example, another type of male connection feature can be used in place of the dovetail pins 2214, while another type of female connection feature can be used in place of dovetail sockets 2214.

FIG. 23 is a front view of two modular housings 2202 ca and 2202 cb that have been joined together. Any dovetail pin 2214 of a first modular housing 2202 can be mated with any dovetail socket 2216 of a second modular housing 2202 by orienting the two modular housings 2202 such that the pin 2214 and socket 2216 are aligned and sliding the pin 2214 into the socket 2216. In the example depicted in FIG. 23 , pin 2214 a of modular housing 2202 ca has been engaged with socket 2216 b of modular housing 2202 cb. Modular housings 2202 can be joined together in this manner across two dimensions (horizontally and vertically), allowing an array of substantially any size to be built. FIG. 24 is an example 6×2 connector management assembly 2402 assembled using modular housings 2202 d. This modular approach allows a user to customize a suitable connector management assembly to match the configuration of a given MUTOA data port array.

In some embodiments, the modular housings 2202 can include markable surfaces on at least one side of the main body 2210 so that each modular housing 2202 can be labeled with such information as a port identifier, device number, identification of a longest permitted patch cord, or other such information.

The modular housings 2202 can also be used with accessories to create custom configurations. FIG. 25 is a front view of an example 8×2 connector management assembly 2502 comprising a mounting bracket 2504 on which are mounted 16 modular housings 2202 a. Example mounting bracket 2504 comprises 16 dovetail sockets 2506 oriented such that eight of the sockets 2506 are formed on each of the top and bottom sides of the bracket 2504. The dovetail pins 2214 of each modular housing 2202 a can be engaged with the respective sockets 2506 to attach the housings 2202 a to the bracket 2504, yielding the 8×2 arrangement. Although FIG. 25 depicts the bracket 2504 as comprising multiple instances of the female connection feature (the dovetail socket 2506), in some embodiments the bracket 2504 can have multiple instances of the male connection feature (e.g., the dovetail pin), which are configured to engage with the female engagement feature of the modular housings 2202.

Brackets of other shapes and configurations are also within the scope of one or more embodiments. For example, FIG. 26 is a front view of an example bracket 2602 having two vertical sides 2606 a and 2606 b connected to a horizontal side 2606 b at right angles. Each of the three sides has a number of dovetail sockets 2608 formed thereon. The dovetail pins 2214 of modular housings 2202 can be engaged with these sockets 2608 to attach the housings 2202 to the bracket 2602. In order to build arrays across the bracket, modular housings 2202 can be connected vertically across the bracket 2602, either by direct connection between the modular housings 2202 (as illustrated in FIG. 24 ) or using connection bars 2604 having dovetail sockets 2610 formed on respective two sides, which can be used to connect to housings 2202 having dovetail pins 2214 that face one another.

FIG. 27 is a front view of an example connector organizer 2702 that allows spacings between connectors to float, thereby allowing the organizer 2702 to be used with data port arrays having different port-to-port spacings. Connector organizer 2702 comprises a main body 2704 through which are formed a number of openings 2706 that are sized to receive respective connectors (e.g., category-rated connectors, fiber optic connectors, etc.). The example organizer 2702 depicted in FIG. 27 supports an 8×2 array of connectors. However, organizers 2702 having other array dimensions are also within the scope of one or more embodiments.

A floating mechanism 2708 is also built into the main body 2704 between the openings 2706. This floating mechanism 2708 permits the spacing between the openings 2706 to float within a range of movement, thereby allowing the organizer 2702 to adjust the connector spacings as necessary to properly interface interface with data port arrays of different spacings. Any suitable floating mechanism 2708 is within the scope of one or more embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the floating mechanism 2708 can comprise an elastic material formed between the openings 2706. In other embodiments, the floating mechanism 2708 may be part a mechanical adjustment system whereby the spacing can be adjusted via mechanical control (e.g., by turning an adjustment screw.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

What has been described above includes examples of systems and methods illustrative of the disclosed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every combination of components or methodologies here. One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A switch module assembly, comprising: a middle plate configured to retain data connectors in an array formation, the middle plate comprising a flat handle section and two mounting plates that extend in parallel from a front of the flat handle section, wherein the two mounting plates are divided into flexible planks by slots that extend from front edges of the two mounting plates to the flat handle section, and the flexible planks are configured to hold the data connectors.
 2. The switch module assembly of claim 1, further comprising dividing walls that reside in the slots, wherein the dividing walls are anchored to a front edge of the flat handle section and extend to the front edges of the two mounting plates, and heights of the dividing walls extend perpendicularly to the two mounting plates.
 3. The switch module assembly of claim 2, wherein the dividing walls are configured to pivot within the slots about respective points where the dividing walls anchor to the flat handle section.
 4. The switch module assembly of claim 1, wherein the two mounting plates are configured to hold respective subsets of the data connectors that are oriented to result in latches of the data connectors facing away from the middle plate.
 5. The switch module assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first attachment plate configured to mount over first latches of a first subset of the data connectors mounted to a first of the two mounting plates, and a second attachment plate configured to mount over second latches of a second subset of the data connectors mounted to a second of the two mounting plates.
 6. The switch module assembly of claim 5, wherein application of a first force on the first attachment plate displaces the first latches to unlatch positions, and application of a second force on the second attachment plate displaces the second latches to unlatch positions.
 7. The switch module assembly of claim 6, further comprising two cover plates configured to mount to the two mounting plates, respectively, wherein the two cover plates enclose the first attachment plate and the second attachment plate, respectively.
 8. The switch module assembly of claim 7, wherein the two cover plates comprise respective openings that permit insertion of a key that applies the first force and the second force to the first attachment plate and the second attachment plate, respectively.
 9. A system, comprising: a flat handle; two mounting plates that extend in parallel from the flat handle, wherein slots extend from front edges of the two mounting plates forming flexible planks between the slots, the flexible planks are configured to hold respective data connectors, and the data connectors are held in an array formation by the two mounting plates.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising dividing walls that are anchored to a front edge of the flat handle and extend toward the front edges of the two mounting plates between the flexible planks.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the dividing walls flexibly pivot within the slots between the flexible planks.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the flexible planks hold the data connectors such that latches of the data connectors face away from the two mounting plates.
 13. The system of claim 9, further comprising an attachment plate configured to mount over latches of a subset of the data connectors mounted to a subset of the flexible planks of a mounting plate of the two mounting plates.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein application of a force on the attachment plate causes the latches to displace to unlatch positions.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a cover plate configured to enclose the attachment plate while mounted to the mounting plate.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the cover plate comprises an opening that permits insertion of a key that applies the force to the attachment plate.
 17. A switch module, comprising: two mounting plates that extend in parallel from a front edge of a flat handle section, wherein the two mounting plates are divided into flexible planks, and the flexible planks are configured to hold data connectors in an array formation.
 18. The switch module of claim 17, further comprising dividing walls that are anchored to the front edge of the flat handle section and that extend between the flexible planks, wherein the dividing walls are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the two mounting plates.
 19. The switch module of claim 18, wherein the dividing walls are configured to flex within slots between the flexible planks.
 20. The switch module of claim 17, further comprising an attachment plate configured to mount over latches of a subset of the data connectors mounted to a mounting plate of the two mounting plates. 